Group protests lack of charges in teen's death

More than 50 people, most of them Hispanic, protested outside the Round Lake Beach police station Monday over the investigation into the death of a 17-year-old resident.

Led by area activists Margaret Carrasco and Julie Santos, the group called for charges to be brought against the driver of the car that struck and killed Alonzo De La Torre in January.

"We are asking the chief of police for justice," Carrasco told the group, which included members of De La Torre's family. "We do not understand why no charges have been placed."

Between slogans chanted in English and Spanish, they also announced plans to ask the Justice Department to investigate all law enforcement agencies in Lake County for what they described as racist and discriminatory behavior.

Additionally, an attorney who said he represented the De La Torre family said he would file a civil suit against the driver today.

De La Torre died Jan. 26, two days after being struck by a car while running with friends near Hainesville Road and Merriwood Lane, police said. The driver was questioned and later released.

The accident remains under investigation by Round Lake Beach police and the Lake County major crash assistance team.

Investigators are awaiting the results of blood and urine tests, Round Lake Beach Deputy Police Chief Rich Chiarello said. When those results are in, they and other evidence will be given to the Lake County state's attorney's office, he said.

Monday's protest occurred on the sidewalk outside the police station. The building was closed for Presidents Day.